When I started Barnwood Bats five years ago, it wasn't some grand business plan. It was just me, Pete Gorman, in my barn out back, making a couple of bats for my boys. 

I was coaching their Little League team in Metrowest at the time, and I told the kids, "Whoever shows me they work the hardest, I'll give you one of these bats for free." Next thing I know, parents are coming up saying, "Hey, I heard you're making bats. Can you make one for my kid?"

That's how it all started—word of mouth, because honestly, these bats came out wicked good…